By Wayne Aldredge, D.M.D.
An estimated 50% of Americans have gum disease. Millions may not know it and those who do may consider the problem a discomfort confined to the mouth and not worthy of much thought. This is why periodontal specialists and physicians are spreading the word, asking more people to understand that putting off treatment might be putting their health at risk.
One of those risks is the potential for developing Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.
The natural question is, How can gum disease be connected to the brain? To answer that, we have to understand how it begins and progresses.
The mouth hosts “good” and “bad” bacteria. They exist in a natural balance when a healthy diet and good oral health practices are observed. However, when teeth aren’t cleaned on a regular basis, plaque collects on the tooth surface and bad bacteria collects on the plaque. As long as the plaque remains, the bad bacteria multiply, overwhelming the good bacteria. An infection results. The body’s immune system releases white blood cells to fight the infection. They, in turn, cause inflammation in the gums.
We now have a progressive, inflammatory disease with bacteria that can make its way from the mouth into the bloodstream and spread throughout the body, causing cell damage wherever it reaches.
That alone should make you rush for your toothbrush. You’ll want to add floss, mouthwash and an appointment once you learn what comes next. In recent years, researchers have linked those oral bacteria to stroke, lung disease, heart disease, kidney disease, cancer and more. Now a study by the prestigious Forsyth Institute for Research has discovered evidence linking gum disease to Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are caused by dying brain cells. In a healthy brain, millions of neurons transmit messages to different parts of the brain and parts of the body. The health of these neurons is protected by microglial cells, immune cells that walk the beat removing damaged cells and encompassing and destroying pathogens. Repeat offenders are amyloid plaque formations, proteins associated with cell death and cognitive decline and a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.
This is where gum disease comes into play. When oral bacteria that escape into the bloodstream come in contact with microglial cells, it overloads their function until they can no longer absorb amyloid plaque. Left alone, the plaque proliferates, more cells die and more cognitive ability is lost.
There are many more examples of the connection between gum disease and whole-body health that should be enough encouragement to seek the advice of your physician and a periodontal professional. The toothbrush and floss mentioned earlier will not be able to remove plaque and bacteria in any but the mildest cases.
Now that you know the hows and whys of whole-body health, tackle the “what’s next” and give yourself the health care you deserve. Most importantly, be well.
Wayne Aldredge, D.M.D., of Holmdel Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, is a board-certified periodontist, dental implant surgeon and educator with 30 years of dental experience.
The article originally appeared in the April 4 – 10, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
